Israeli Recognition of Somaliland Opens Door To Abraham Accords Partnership, Arab States Condemn Move

Somaliland’s president praised Israel on Friday after Jerusalem formally recognized the territory as an independent country, and says he wants to join the Abraham Acccords.

“This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome… the Prime Minister of the State of Israel’s recognition of the Republic of Somaliland and affirm Somaliland’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords,” Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi wrote in a post on X, referring to the US-brokered framework for normalizing ties with Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed earlier Friday that Israel had officially recognized Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not previously been recognized by Israel or most of the international community. The statement described Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state.”

The announcement sparked swift backlash from several regional governments. The foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti issued a joint condemnation of Israel’s decision, voicing firm opposition to recognizing Somaliland, which Somalia considers a breakaway region.

“The ministers affirmed their total rejection and condemnation of Israel’s recognition of the Somaliland region, stressing their full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia,” Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement following a phone call among the four foreign ministers.

Further details of the recognition emerged from a transcript of a conversation between Benjamin Netanyahu and the president of Somaliland, in which the Israeli prime minister spoke explicitly about the formal step Israel was taking.

“I want you to know that I’m signing now as we speak, Israel’s official recognition of Somaliland and its right of self determination,” Netanyahu said during the call.

He emphasized the significance of the move, adding, “Our friendship is seminal and historic. So I’m very, very happy, and I’m very proud of this day…” and later describing the moment by saying, “This is… a wonderful day. It’s a historic day.”

Netanyahu also outlined Israel’s interest in developing close cooperation with Somaliland across multiple sectors. “We intend to work together with you on economic fields, on agriculture, in the fields of social development, all the things that we hope we can assist you,” he said.

Linking the recognition to broader regional diplomacy, Netanyahu added, “I’ll communicate to President Trump your willingness and desire to join the Abraham accords.”

The conversation also included discussion of an official visit by the Somaliland leader to Israel. “I want to use this opportunity, sir, to invite you to an official visit to Israel at your convenience, and I hope very much to see you here soon,” Netanyahu said.

Somaliland’s president responded affirmatively: “Mr. Prime Minister, I accepted the invitation. I am ready as soon as possible for that arrangement…”

Netanyahu closed the exchange on a symbolic note, telling his counterpart, “See you soon in Jerusalem.”